The Joint Japan-World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJWBGSP) is open to nationals of developing countries with relevant professional experience and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts who are applying for a master’s degree program in a development-related topic.
Host Country | U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan |
Host Institute | 24 universities in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan |
Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
Scholarship Benefits | Tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance |
Course Level | Master’s degree program |
Eligible Discipline | All |
Opening Date | Application Window #1: January 13 Application Window #2: March 25 |
Closing Date | Application Window #1: February 28 Application Window #2: May 23 |

Join the Facebook Group for more Scholarship, Fellowship, Internship, and career updates
Table of Contents
World Bank
The World Bank is the collective name for the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA), two of the five international organizations owned by the World Bank Group. It is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to governments of low- and middle-income countries to implement capital projects.
The World Bank Scholarship Program was launched in 1982. Students can pursue postgraduate studies in fields related to economic development. The World Bank’s Vice Presidency for Development Economics (DEC) provides fellowships to students and young researchers, contributing to the World Bank’s mission to create dynamic new approaches to capacity development and knowledge sharing in the developing world.
Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program by World Bank
Joint Japan-World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Japan-World Bank Joint Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is managed with funding from the Japanese government and the World Bank; scholarships are awarded to individuals from World Bank member countries to study at renowned universities in other member countries. Since 1987, JJWBGSP has enabled more than 6,000 professionals from 160 developing countries and Japan to complete graduate studies in development-related fields. On an annual basis, the Japanese government solely funds the JJWBGSP.
Depending on available funding, the JJWBGSP offers scholarships for 41 participating master’s programs at 24 universities in the US, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan in key development areas, including economic policy management, tax policy, and infrastructure management.
Benefits of the Joint Japan-World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The JJ/WBGSP Scholarship provides the recipient with the following benefits:
Economy class air travel between your home country and the host university at the start of your study program The JJ/WBGSP provides comprehensive financial support to help scholars from developing countries pursue their master’s degrees without financial stress. Here’s what the scholarship covers:
- Full Tuition Coverage – The scholarship pays for the entire tuition fee for your master’s program at a participating university.
- Monthly Living Stipend – Scholars receive a monthly allowance to cover living expenses while studying abroad.
- Round-Trip Airfare – The program funds economy-class travel to and from the host country, ensuring scholars can focus on their studies instead of travel costs.
- Health Insurance – Scholars are covered with health insurance for the duration of their studies, offering peace of mind for any medical needs.
- Travel Allowance – A $600 travel allowance is provided to help with additional travel expenses related to the scholar’s educational activities.
These benefits are designed to remove financial obstacles, allowing scholars to concentrate fully on their education. More importantly, the program encourages graduates to return home and apply their newly acquired knowledge to drive social and economic progress in their communities.
General Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Joint Japan-World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2025-27 the candidate must:
- Be a national of a developing country that is a member of the World Bank list (list given below);
- Japanese mid-career professionals who have been admitted to or are currently enrolled in a master’s or Ph.D. graduate degree program outside of Japan can also apply.
- Not have dual citizenship of any developed country;
- To be in good health;
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) obtained at least 3 years before the application closing date;
- Have 3 years or more of recent development-related work experience after obtaining a Bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree;
- Be employed in development-related work in a full-time paid position at the time of applying for the scholarship. Have at least 3 years of paid development-related employment since obtaining a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent university degree) and obtained within the last 6 years from the application closing date.
- On or before the scholarship application deadline, be unconditionally admitted for the upcoming academic year to at least one of the participating JJWBGSP master’s programs located outside the applicant’s country of citizenship and country of residence indicated at the time the call for applications opens for a scholarship. You need to upload the admission slip before submitting the application.
- Must not be an Executive Director, his/her representative and/or employee of any type of appointment of the World Bank Group or a close relative by blood or adoption of the above with the term “close relative” defined as mother, father, sister, half-sister, brother, half-brother, son, daughter, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit a number of important documents in order to apply for the Joint Japan-World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP). The necessary documents are listed in detail below:
- Completed Application Form:
- Must be submitted electronically through the JJ/WBGSP application portal.
- Written in English or the language of the master’s degree program.
- Proof of Eligibility:
- Documentation demonstrating at least three years of recent development-related work experience.
- This may include letters from employers or other relevant documentation.
- Academic Credentials:
- A scanned copy of the bachelor’s degree diploma.
- If applicable, also include diplomas for any advanced degrees (do not submit transcripts).
- Curriculum Vitae (C.V.):
- Must follow the format provided by JJ/WBGSP and include relevant professional experiences, including volunteer work if unpaid.
- Unconditional Offer of Admission:
- An unconditional admission letter from one of the participating master’s programs is required before submitting the JJ/WBGSP application.
- Identification Document:
- A scanned copy of the identification page of your passport, or another legal document if a passport is not available.
- Medical Certificate:
- A health certificate from a medical doctor stating that the applicant is in good health for travel and study is to be submitted after receiving a scholarship offer and at least 21 days before traveling to the host university.
- Additional Documentation (if applicable):
- Any other documents that may be required by the specific university or program to which you are applying.
JJWBGSP Deadlines and Timeline
The next window for scholarship applications will open in January and March 2025.
The deadlines for JJWBGSP are February 28, 2025, for the first application window and 23 May 2025 for the second application window.
- Application Window#1
- From January 13 to February 28, 2025, at 12:00 noon EST
- JJWBGSP Participating Programs accepting applications under Window #1
- Application Window #2
- From March 25 to May 23, 2025, at 12:00 noon EST
- JJWBGSP Participating Programs accepting applications under Window #2
Note: The timeline for Japanese candidates is from February 17 to April 18, 2025, at noon EST.
How can I apply for the JJ/WBGSP?
If you’re looking to apply for the JJ/WBGSP, follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you begin, make sure you meet the program’s requirements. To qualify, you must:
- Be a national of a developing country.
- Have an unconditional admission offer from one of the participating master’s programs.
- Possess at least three years of relevant, development-related work experience.
Step 2: Secure Admission
Apply for admission to one of the 42 participating master’s programs. Keep in mind the application windows:
- Window 1: January 13 – February 28, 2025
- Window 2: March 25 – May 23, 2025
You’ll need to obtain an unconditional offer (except for financial reasons) from the university before moving forward.
Step 3: Await Further Instructions
Once you’ve secured admission, wait for guidance from your chosen university regarding the scholarship application process.
Step 4: Complete the Scholarship Application
Once you receive instructions, fill out the JJ/WBGSP online application form and provide the necessary documents:
- Two professional references
- Your CV
- Proof of employment
Remember, all documents must be submitted through the online portal—applications sent via email or mail will not be accepted.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Make sure you submit your application before the deadline. The deadline will vary depending on which application window you applied through.
Important Notes
- You can only apply for one master’s program through this scholarship.
- Submitting multiple applications will result in disqualification.
- The link to the scholarship application form will only be shared with candidates shortlisted by their university after securing admission.
By following these steps carefully, you’ll maximize your chances of securing this prestigious scholarship. Good luck!
For more details, visit the official website.
You can also check for other Scholarships as well:
Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship UK.
Fully Funded SBW Berlin Scholarship in Germany – No Application Fee
Brunel Medical School International Scholarships for MBBS Candidates, London, England
Brunel University London Scholarships in England
Japanese Government MEXT Research Scholarship Program for International Students
AIT Scholarships for International Students in Thailand
Join the Facebook group “Fully Funded Scholarships in Japan“